Steve Guy Shuping, 87, born July 9, 1938, in Rowan County, North Carolina, passed away June 16, 2026. Steve’s life was marked by steady devotion—to his family, to his work, and to the people who had the good fortune to know him. In the quiet ways that matter most, he was beloved: faithful in presence, kind-hearted in spirit, and compassionate in the everyday moments that become a lifetime of love.
Raised in Rowan County, Steve graduated from China Grove High School in 1957, where he served as President of the FFA. Even then, his hard-working nature and practical wisdom were evident—qualities that would guide him through each season of life with purpose and care.
Steve built a career defined not only by diligence, but by the way he treated others along the way. He previously worked for FCX, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and MidState Oil Company (Sunoco). He later retired from Rushco Food Stores, where he served as Vice President of Merchandising. Throughout his career, Steve was known as a kind and considerate man to his associates, and he mentored many individuals to help the company grow—offering guidance with patience, respect, and a steady belief in people.
Steve was married to the love of his life, Peggy Jo Wells Shuping, for 68 years. His devotion to his family was constant and unmistakable. He loved and traveled to all of his grandson Josh’s band competitions and baseball games, showing up with the faithful support that made others feel seen and valued. He also cherished trips to the beach with his family—simple, shared joys that became treasured memories.
In his quieter hours, Steve found comfort in the things he enjoyed most: work, NASCAR, watching the Atlanta Braves play baseball, and TV Westerns. These familiar pleasures suited him—steady, sincere, and full of the warmth of home.
Steve is survived by his wife, Peggy Jo Wells Shuping; his sons, Michael Todd Shuping (Christie) and Rick Dean Shuping (Laurie Jo); his daughter, Kathy Shuping Price; his sister, Louise Eller (Harold); his grandson, Joshua Price (Jenna Fair); his great-grandchild, Scottie Fair; his niece, Karen Charles (Will) and family; his nephew, Doug Eller (Cheri) and family; and beloved, extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Vern Eugene Shuping; his mother, Mary Christena Albright Shuping; and his son-in-law, Ernie Price.
A receiving of friends will be held at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home in China Grove, NC on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:45 AM. A funeral service will follow in the Northcrest Chapel at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home beginning at 10:45 AM with the Rev. Dr. Glenn C. Thomason officiating. A service of committal will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove, where he will be laid to rest.
Pallbearers will be Larry Thomason, Gene Shuping, Mac Shuping, Bobby Rusher, Joey Rusher, and Lane Rhyner.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the charitable organization of your choice.
Condolences and messages of sympathy may be shared with the family, online at www.linn-honeycutt.com
Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Steve and his family.
